When the machine is starting up, does it show the correct day and date?
If not change it manually by resetting the date command in DOS; the date and time command within the control panel in Windows version 3.1; or the bottom right-hand corner of the taskbar in Windows 95 or later.
Close down any open applications and restart the computer.
If the PC has difficulty restarting then it is incapable of holding the new date and you have a serious problem. This is only likely to happen in PCs older than seven or eight years.
Apple claims that its systems are immune from the date changeover problem.
If problems arise within software programmes like graphics or spreadsheets, do not persist in using it. Contact the supplier and find out whether there is a way of "working around" the problem, or if an upgrade is available.
For further last-minute tips, particularly for SMEs, look up the Systems Modelling site at www.sysmod.com